Jamia staffer accuses professor of assault, caste abuse; FIR filed

Jamia Millia Islamia has come under scrutiny after a Scheduled Tribe employee accused a faculty member of physical assault and caste-based abuse on campus.

The complainant, Ramphool Meena, an Upper Division Clerk posted in the university's Polytechnic department, alleged that an associate professor named Dr Riyazuddin from the Civil Engineering department assaulted him inside the office and hurled caste slurs.

The Delhi Police confirmed that a complaint was received on January 19, 2026, and legal proceedings are currently underway. "A complaint was filed by an employee of JMI Polytechnic against an associate professor. The allegations include physical manhandling and the use of caste-based slurs. A physical scuffle is alleged to have occurred on the premises," DCP South East said. He added that statements are being recorded and evidence is being collected. The officer also issued a clarification: "The complainant has made no allegation of any attempt at forceful conversion. Any such reports are incorrect."

According to the complaint submitted to the ACP, Sarita Vihar, Meena stated that the harassment began after a video involving Dr Riyazuddin went viral on social media.

The video allegedly shows the professor kicking a student inside a classroom. The clip triggered widespread outrage and questions over faculty behaviour at the university. Meena stated that although he had no role in recording, circulating, or commenting on the video, he was suspected and targeted because of it. He alleged that the professor believed he was involved in leaking the clip and began harassing him inside the office.

In his complaint, Meena said that on 13 January 2026, Dr Riyazuddin came to his desk during office hours and used abusive language. When Meena objected, the professor allegedly became aggressive and insulted him using caste-based remarks.

The matter allegedly turned violent on 16 January, when the professor returned to Meena's office and assaulted him. Meena claimed he was punched repeatedly on the face, causing a split lip and swelling under one eye. He said he was taken to the Ansari Health Centre for medical treatment. In his complaint, Meena alleged that caste-based slurs were used during the assault and that he was humiliated inside the workplace.

Meena also alleged that when he approached the Registrar's office to report the incident, no immediate action was taken. Instead, he claimed that a transfer order was issued the same day, which he described as retaliatory and aimed at silencing him. The university administration has not issued a detailed response to the transfer order so far.

Police sources said an FIR has been registered, and the case is being examined under relevant legal provisions. Officers are recording statements of witnesses and collecting medical records. CCTV footage from the area is also being checked, if available, to establish the sequence of events.

The police said that the video, which surfaced on social media, allegedly showing the same professor kicking a student inside a classroom, is being verified separately. It has added to questions about conduct on campus. "All material placed before us will be examined as per law," a police officer said.

The accused professor has not issued any public statement so far. University officials said they are aware of the complaint and will cooperate with the investigation. However, no formal response addressing the allegations has been released by Jamia Millia Islamia at the time of filing this report. The police also urged restraint in public discourse. The DCP appealed to media and social media users to avoid circulating unverified claims that could affect communal harmony or prejudice the probe.